Radical new rides

Ground Control Longboards prove that there's more to longboarding than meets the eye

There is far more to longboarding than meets the eye. Ground Control Longboards, based in Kimberley, is employing nanotechnology to produce the highest quality longboards possible, co-founder Ty Cook explained.

“We’re dealing with a company from Germany,” said Cook. “We’ll be the first company to (apply) nanotechnology to the clear coat on our new boards, coming out this year.”

Cook said that Kimberley’s location, lower business costs and local history of longboarding makes it a perfect place to operate from. The company has a number of exciting prospects on the horizon, including a deal with a large clothing franchise. Cook will be travelling to Paris in April to meet with the founder of the largest longboarding movement in France.

Overall, Cook said that the company prioritizes finding a medium between the financial obligations, creating quality boards and maintaining the cultural aspect of longboarding.

“Obviously we have to make money, but more important for us is the feeling the buyer gets,” he said.